The sculpture is a series of stainless steel abstract tree forms with illuminated leaves of glass. This artful forest is permanently ensconced in the outdoor plaza of another downtown landmark: the luxurious Fairmont Pacific Rim. Providing fertile ground for eclectic art in Vancouver’s pulsating historic port and financial centre, the hotel is itself a study in ingenuity, featuring 377 generously sized rooms, each designed and dressed by CHIL Design Group, with connectivity in every corner and spa-like bathrooms outfitted with sunken soaking tubs.

Mountain calm meets urban cool at the property’s Willow Stream Spa, where treatments include the Costal Mountain Body Wrap, which soothes with cocoa and shea butter, and even some maple butter for good Canadian measure. Peckish after your treatment? Head down to RawBar at The Lobby Lounge for sustainable, Ocean Wise-certified sushi; stop by Giovane for treats a la Italia; and check out ORU for Pacific Northwest and Pacific Rim fusion fare.